Adjustable simulation rig and a seating unit for use therewith

A rig is disclosed for recreational or training simulation. In particular, a rig is disclosed that provides increased adjustability for users of different physiques and/or to simulate a variety of racing positions.

Also disclosed is a seating unit for a chassis. The seating unit may be used in the above-mentioned rig. In particular, the seating unit may comprise a seat assembly that includes a base frame portion and a back frame portion that are coupled together in a operable configuration by a rigid connector member.

Broadly speaking, racing simulators rely upon a combination of specialised software and skeuomorphic input devices to replicate to varying degrees of realism the experience of motor racing.

As the quality of software has developed, racing simulators have moved beyond the sphere of gaming applications and are now frequently used by professional racing drivers as training devices. Accordingly, whilst traditional video games are played with a hand-held controller, racing simulators typically include bespoke rigs comprising wheel, seat and pedal setups that accurately replicate their real-world counterparts.

It is typical for professional racing simulator rigs to be designed for a specific type of racing, for example open-wheel Formula racing or tin-top touring car and GT-style racing. This is because of the difficulties in sufficiently replicating the driving positions of each of these types of vehicles, which differ greatly from one another. Such rigs commonly offer little range of adjustment to accommodate users of differing sizes and heights. This is a growing problem for an industry seeing increasing participation by female athletes who must train in rigs that may be too large or ergonomically unsuited.

In contrast, consumer-focused racing simulator rigs provide a more general driving position that attempts to straddle a medium between the upright seating position of tin-top racing vehicles and the recumbent position of Formula vehicles. Whilst such generalised rigs are popular with casual gamers, they fail to replicate the driving position of racing cars to a sufficient degree to be suitable for professional drivers. Such rigs also fail to replicate the degree of realism inherent in professional-focused rigs.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a racing simulator rig having increased adjustability. It would be desirable if such a rig was simple to adjust between positions. It would be beneficial for such a rig to be suitable for both professional and casual use.

Seats for simulation rigs (as well as for passenger vehicles) typically comprise a multi-part metal support skeleton that is coupled to a sliding cassette assembly mounted to the rig base (or vehicle floor or chassis).

The support skeleton provides some level of adjustably to the seating position for an occupant, to enable the occupant to obtain an ergonomically suitable seating and/or driving position. Meanwhile, the sliding cassette frame enables the seat to be moved toward and away from the rig controls to suit occupants of differing stature. The seat is then generally covered by a fabric upholstery and cushioning foam to provide comfort and an acceptable aesthetic appearance. Such seats are relatively complex to assemble, and lack rigidity making them generally unsuited to use in performance vehicles and racing simulation rigs.

Because of the above drawbacks, performance vehicles and simulation rigs typically feature a single piece molded seat “shell”. Such seat shells offer significantly improved rigidity and ease of manufacture and fitment, however lack nearly any level of ergonomic adjustability. Furthermore, such molded shells are inherently bulky, requiring an exorbitant sized packaging for shipping and storage. This makes such seats expensive to ship.

Accordingly, it would also be advantageous to provide a seat having improved levels of adjustability for an occupant. It would be desirable if such a seat was cost effective to manufacture and/or ship. It would be beneficial for such a seat to be suitable for use across many different rig or chassis types.

In a first aspect, there is disclosed an adjustable rig for a simulator, comprising: a support frame having a longitudinal axis; a seating module couplable to the support frame; a steering module couplable to the support frame; and a pedal module couplable to the support frame; wherein each of the modules is adjustable in three directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the support frame when coupled thereto.

Each module may include a longitudinal adjustment means that provide adjustment in a lengthwise direction along the longitudinal axis of the support frame when coupled thereto. In an embodiment, the longitudinal adjustment means comprise at least one slide rail, such as lateral slide rails.

Each of the modules may include a mounting member, the position of which is adjustable in a or the lengthwise, angular and height directions relative to the support frame when coupled thereto. The mounting member of the steering module may be a wheel mounting member for mounting a steering wheel thereto. The mounting member of the pedal module may be a pedal mounting member for mounting a set of pedals thereto. The mounting member of the seating module may be seat mounting member for mounting a seat thereto. In an embodiment, each mounting member comprises a mounting plate.

In some embodiments, each module may include one or more adjustable support members that are configured to provide adjustment of each module in at least one of a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support frame and an angular direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the support frame when coupled thereto. The support members may be connectable to the mounting member in order to adjust the position of the mounting member relative to the support frame.

In an embodiment, the adjustable support member comprises a bracket. While the following description will focus on the embodiment where the support member comprises a bracket, it is to be understood that the rig is not limited thereto and may encompass other support structures.

The or each bracket may include a plurality of fastener positions for receiving a fastener to set the respective mounting member at a predetermined position relative to the support frame. The or each bracket may further include an elongate slot within which the plurality of fastener positions are located to set the respective mounting member at discrete positions relative to the support frame. The fastener may be adjustable via a knob or lever facilitating manual adjustment of the position of the mounting member.

In some embodiments, the fastener positions of the steering module brackets provide height adjustment of the respective mounting plate relative to the support frame. The mounting plate of the steering module is pivotably attached to the brackets to provide angular adjustment thereof relative to the support frame.

The slots of the pedal module brackets provide angular adjustment of the respective mounting plate relative to the support frame. The pedal module may include a second pair of brackets arranged such that the first pair of brackets is nested between the second pair of brackets and the respective mounting plate, the first and second pair of brackets together providing height adjustment of the mounting plate relative to the support frame. The second pair of brackets may include an elongate opening for interconnecting the second brackets with the first brackets.

In some embodiments, the slots of the seating module brackets may provide angular adjustment of the respective mounting plate relative to the support frame. The brackets of the seating module may include a second slot, the first and second slot together providing height adjustment of the respective mounting plate with respect to the support frame. The brackets of the seating module may include a plurality of apertures adjacent to the second slot, the apertures configured to receive a detent to provide fine angular adjustment of the respective mounting plate relative to the support frame. The detents of each bracket may be interconnected via a spring-loaded cable, facilitating fine angular adjustment of the respective mounting plate via a pull lever.

The support frame may comprise a pair of U-shaped side members extending along the longitudinal axis thereof and a U-shaped base member that extends therebetween.

The side members may be slidably attached to the base member facilitating adjustment of a length of the support frame along its longitudinal axis.

In a second aspect, there is disclosed a seating unit for a chassis, comprising: a seat assembly including: a base frame portion; a back frame portion; and a rigid connection member having a first support surface configured to support the base frame portion and a second support surface configured to support the back frame portion; wherein in an operable configuration of the seat assembly the base frame portion is fixedly coupled to the back frame portion in an inclined orientation relative thereto by the connection member; and wherein in a stowed configuration the base frame portion is separated from and nested within the back frame portion.

In use, in the operable configuration, the connection member is able to provide a rigid and substantially flex free seat assembly. Further, with the seat assembly in the stowed configuration, the base frame portion and the back frame portion are not coupled together, with the base frame portion being nested within the back frame portion so as to be able to provide a compact footprint for storage and or transport. By nesting the base frame and the back frame portions, the volume of the seating unit in the stowed form can be reduced by as much as 70%. When compared to conventional “single-piece” or fixed seating designs, this can provide significant savings for shipping and or mass storage.

As used herein, the term “chassis” means the base frame of a car, carriage, or other vehicle and includes a structural framework for a recreational or training simulator, such as a racing simulator or a flight simulator. Accordingly, the seating unit may be used in the adjustable rig of the first aspect.

An advantage provided by the seating unit lies in the rigid connection between the base frame portion and back frame portion. Such connection provides the two-piece seat frame in the operable configuration with substantially flex-free properties similar to a one-piece or unitary moulded shell, whilst maintaining the ability for the seat assembly to be compactly packaged, stored and/or shipped whilst in the stowed configuration.

In the operable configuration, the connection member may extend axially along a mid-section of the seat assembly so as to substantially align with the spine of a user seated therein. Where the connection member is arranged to align with the spine of the user, the seat assembly provides support directly thereto, further increasing the perceived rigidity of the seat assembly by a user seated therein.

In some embodiments, the connection member is formed as an angled elongate plate. The elongate plate may have a laterally extending bend disposed between the first and second support surfaces. The laterally extending bend may be disposed substantially half-way along the length of the elongate plate. The angle of the bend may be of a magnitude between about 20 and about 90 degrees. The upper part of the elongate plate (corresponding to the first support surface) is adapted to substantially align to the spine of the user when seated in a reclined position. The lower part of the elongate plate (corresponding to the second support surface) is adapted to substantially align with the pelvis and upper legs of the user when seated. Because the plate is of unitary construction, the rigidity thereof is maximised whilst manufacture thereof and subsequent assembly of the seat unit is simplified.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the connection member may be an adjustable connection member that enables the back frame to be held at a variable inclination with respect to the base frame. The connection member may include a lockable hinge disposed between the first surface and the second surface to releasably hold the back-frame portion at a desired inclination with respect to the base frame portion. In such embodiments, the seat assembly may be moveable from the operable configuration to a folded configuration in which the back frame portion substantially faces towards the base frame portion. The adjustable connection member enables the user to select the angle if inclination, thereby providing a plurality of bespoke reclined positions. This enables such connection member to be used for a variety of applications. Further, because the hinge is a lockable hinge, the rigidity of the connection member in each selected position is not otherwise compromised.

The base frame portion and back frame portion may be formed as unitary shells.

In some embodiments, the base frame portion and the back frame portion may each include a predefined connection zone for respectively receiving the first and second surfaces of the connection member. The connection zones of the base frame portion and back frame portion may be bounded by a raised lip that projects from an inner face thereof. The connection zones of the base frame portion and the back frame portion and the first and second surfaces of the connection member may each include a plurality of preformed (such as pre-drilled) holes for receiving fasteners therein to thereby couple the connection member to the frame portions. By having predefined connection zones, assembly and/or disassembly of the seating unit is made easier for the user and/or a fabricator, whilst also ensuring that the components thereof are arranged correctly.

The base frame portion and the back frame portion may each include an attachment zone provided on or projecting from an outer face thereof and configured to secure the seat frame to the chassis. In some embodiments, the attachment zone is configured to engage with a seating module of the simulation rig.

In some embodiments, the seat assembly may further include: a removeable base cover section; and a removeable back cover section that is separate from the base cover section; wherein in the operable configuration of the seat assembly the connection member is disposed between and substantially concealed by the respective base and back cover and frame portions. In the stowed configuration the base cover section may be nested within the base frame portion and the back cover section is nested within the back portion. The base and back cover sections may each include at least one openable access flap that provides access to the connection plate, to enable coupling and uncoupling of the base and back frame portions therefrom. At least one of the base and back cover sections may comprise an inner padding section and an outer padding section, the respective inner and outer padding sections being removably attachable to one another. Because the cover sections are removeable from the seat frame, the seating unit can be provided with a plurality of different cover/padding arrangements to suit the preferred application. Such cover/padding arrangements can be interchangeably fitted by either a fabricator and/or the user.

The seating unit may further comprise a seating module for securing the seat frame upon the chassis, the seating module being configured to fixedly attach to the chassis and to provide positional adjustment of the seat frame relative thereto. The seating module may provide positional adjustment of the seat frames in three directions relative to a longitudinal axis of the chassis. The seating module provides a simple yet highly adjustable means for mounting the seat assembly to a chassis. This adjustability enables the seating unit to comfortably accommodate persons of differing stature and or phenotypes.

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown.

In general terms,show an embodiment of an adjustable rigfor a racing simulator andshow another embodiment of an adjustable rigfor a racing simulator. These are not the only embodiments of the invention.

There are substantial similarities between the embodiments of the adjustable rig ofandand the same reference numerals are used to describe the same structural features. There are differences between the two embodiments and these differences are pointed out in the following description.

With reference toand, each rigcomprises a support frame, to which a plurality of modules is coupled. The modules include a seating module, a steering moduleand a pedal module. Each of the modules,,is adjustable in three directions relative to a longitudinal axis L of the support frame. Because of the adjustability of the modules,,, the rigis suitable for use by users of differing stature and can accurately simulate the driving position of a wide range of racing vehicles.

In the following description, the arrangement of the components will be described with reference to their respective positions when used in-situ by a user of the rig. For clarity, the terms “proximal” and “distal” refer to the position of components with respect to the user when seated in the rig. That is, a “distal” end is further away from the user than the “proximal” end. Similarly, the terms “forward” and “rearward” and “front” and “rear” are used to describe respective ends of components, with the “forward” end being towards a pedal or foot end of the rig. Likewise, the terms “length” and “height” are used with respect to the seated user, with length referring to a generally horizontal direction away from and/or towards the user, and height referring to a perpendicular and generally vertical direction.

The Support Frame

show an embodiment of the rig, in which each of the modules,,is coupled to the support frame.

show another embodiment of the rig, in which each of the modules,,is coupled to the support frame.

The support frameof both embodiments comprises a pair of generally U-shaped side members. Each of the side membersextends parallel to each other, along the longitudinal axis L of the support frame. The side membersare spaced apart from one another, enabling at least the respective modules,to be mounted therebetween.

In the embodiment of, there is also a screen holderfor holding a screen such as a television or monitor. The screen holderis another main member in the frame which holds the frame sides while the steering moduleis unscrewed for adjusting. The screen holderis located between the upper portionsof the side members.

A generally U-shaped base memberextends between the side membersat a proximal end thereof in both embodiments. The base memberextends generally transversely of the longitudinal axis L. The base memberis configured to extend along a ground or supporting surface upon which the rigis situated.

In the embodiment of, there is also a side mounting plateattached to the base member. The side mounting platecan be used for mounting handles such as shifters and hand brakes.

The base memberof both embodiments is adjustably connected to the respective side members. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the base memberand the side membersinclude longitudinally spaced, preformed mounting holesadjacent the respective connecting ends thereof. In use, the respective mounting holesof the base memberand each side membermay be overlapped and fixed in place by suitable fasteners to adjust an overall length of the support frame, and thus the rig, can be adjusted along its longitudinal axis. This adjustability allows the rigto be adjusted for use by people of different stature.

As illustrated, the seating moduleof both embodiments is fixedly coupled to the base member, towards a proximal end of the rigvia screws or other reversible means. It is understood, however, that depending on the geometry of the support frame, the seating modulecould instead be coupled to the base memberand the side members, or, alternatively, between the side membersonly.

Each side membercomprises a lower portionand an upper portion. The lower portionis configured to extend along the ground surface. The pedal moduleis fixedly couplable to a distal end of the lower portionof the side membervia screws or other reversible means. The distal end of the lower portionis the end that is spaced away from the seating module, which represents the proximal end.

The steering moduleof both embodiments is connected to the upper portionof each side member. The steering moduleis generally disposed between the seating moduleand pedal module, with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the support frame. It is understood, however, that the respective adjustability of the modules mean that the each of the modules can be moved along the longitudinal axis with respect to each other, which may alter this general configuration.